Beryllium — Technology and Applications

Summary

Beryllium can be readily described as a “specialty” metal. It is one of the lightest structural metals known and possesses a unique combination of properties. Among the important considerations from a design standpoint are the outstanding modulus, modulus/density ratio, strength/density ratio, elevated temperature strength, and thermal properties. This article presents several applications in which beryllium’s unusual combination of properties have been effectively utilized. These are (1) optical components for large, spaceborne telescopes, (2) structural members and umbilical doors for the space shuttle, (3) space shuttle navigation system, and (4) the stylus cantilever for a high-fidelity stereophonic cartridge.

L. B. Norwood, “Application of Beryllium on the Space Shuttle Orbiter,” to be presented at the 25th Structures, Dynamics and Materials Conference of AIAA, Palm Springs, California, May 14–16, 1984.Google Scholar